Score:
5/10
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Topper’s Copy
GS2
International Relations
10 marks
Discuss the role of the World Trade Organization Ministerial Conference in shaping global trade governance. In this context, examine India’s concerns regarding food security and fisheries subsidies.
Student’s Answer
Evaluation by SuperKalam
Demand of the Question
- Role of WTO Ministerial Conference in global trade governance
- India's concerns on food security in WTO context
- India's concerns on fisheries subsidies in WTO context
- Linkage between WTO-MC decisions and these specific concerns
What you wrote:
WTO-Ministerial Conference (MC) is the highest decision-making body of WTO comprising 164 member nations and meets every 2 years. Recently 14th MC concluded in Cameroon with discussion on e-Commerce Moratorium, PSH (Public Stock Holdings), WTO Appellate body etc.
WTO-Ministerial Conference (MC) is the highest decision-making body of WTO comprising 164 member nations and meets every 2 years. Recently 14th MC concluded in Cameroon with discussion on e-Commerce Moratorium, PSH (Public Stock Holdings), WTO Appellate body etc.
Suggestions to improve:
- Could briefly define WTO-MC's significance in global trade architecture (e.g., "as the apex decision-making body that shapes multilateral trade rules affecting $24 trillion global merchandise trade").
What you wrote:
[DRAWING: A mind map with "Role of WTO-MC" in the center. Arrows point outwards to the following six points:]
- To establish Global Rules of Trade and agenda-setting of trade policies
- A negotiating forum for member nations
- Provides for Policy review and development. (eg: subsidies of trade distortions)
- Helps in Dispute Resolution on policies among members
- Consensus of members nations required to achieve a decision.
- Resolve Stalemates, barriers in formulating Policies by deliberation
[DRAWING: A mind map with "Role of WTO-MC" in the center. Arrows point outwards to the following six points:]
- To establish Global Rules of Trade and agenda-setting of trade policies
- A negotiating forum for member nations
- Provides for Policy review and development. (eg: subsidies of trade distortions)
- Helps in Dispute Resolution on policies among members
- Consensus of members nations required to achieve a decision.
- Resolve Stalemates, barriers in formulating Policies by deliberation
Suggestions to improve:
- Could illustrate agenda-setting power with examples (e.g., "MC12 Abu Dhabi's focus on **pandemic preparedness and TRIPS waiver** affecting pharmaceutical trade")
- Could explain consensus requirement challenges (e.g., "**164-member consensus** often leads to lowest common denominator outcomes, as seen in repeated failures to reform agricultural subsidies")
What you wrote:
India's Concern On
1. Food Security
- Public stock holdings (PSH): India backs PSH Procurement from farmers for food security. However, WTO views it as exceeding limits and leading to trade distortions.
- MSP: India Procuring from farmers on MSP above de minimis level of 10% is challenged by nations under Amber box Subsidy. Currently India relies on Peace Clause of 2013.
- India Refers Permanent Solution for its PDS Public Distribution System to ensure food Security.
India's Concern On
1. Food Security
- Public stock holdings (PSH): India backs PSH Procurement from farmers for food security. However, WTO views it as exceeding limits and leading to trade distortions.
- MSP: India Procuring from farmers on MSP above de minimis level of 10% is challenged by nations under Amber box Subsidy. Currently India relies on Peace Clause of 2013.
- India Refers Permanent Solution for its PDS Public Distribution System to ensure food Security.
Suggestions to improve:
- Could quantify India's food security challenge (e.g., "India's **₹2.17 lakh crore food subsidy** covering **813 million beneficiaries** under NFSA makes PSH crucial for food security")
- Could explain AMS (Aggregate Measurement of Support) calculations and why **1986-88 reference prices** disadvantage developing countries with recent agricultural development
What you wrote:
2. Fisheries Subsidies
- India faces challenge of sustainability v/s livelihood of fisherman.
- Members claim Subsidies lead to Overfishing which goes against sustainability.
- India claims grace period of 20-25 yrs to modernize its fishing Industry.
- India prefers exemption for small fisherman within EEZ to Protect their livelihood.
- India -> Developed nations like US, EU, China do distant fishing So bear Primary burden (Polluter Pay Principle)
2. Fisheries Subsidies
- India faces challenge of sustainability v/s livelihood of fisherman.
- Members claim Subsidies lead to Overfishing which goes against sustainability.
- India claims grace period of 20-25 yrs to modernize its fishing Industry.
- India prefers exemption for small fisherman within EEZ to Protect their livelihood.
- India -> Developed nations like US, EU, China do distant fishing So bear Primary burden (Polluter Pay Principle)
Suggestions to improve:
- Could detail the **MC12 fisheries agreement** provisions (e.g., "prohibition on subsidies for **IUU fishing** and overfished stocks with 4-year implementation period")
- Could quantify sector importance (e.g., "India's **16 million fishermen** contribute **₹1.75 lakh crore** to GDP, making livelihood protection crucial")
What you wrote:
However, 14th MC concluded with no substantial outcomes and continued stalemate. Members must show collaboration and equity based approach catering to differential needs of developing and least developed along with focus on sustainable development. Everyone must uphold Rule based Trade system to avoid fragmentations, Economic confrontations. and lead to ultimate vision of WTO "barrier free Trade".
However, 14th MC concluded with no substantial outcomes and continued stalemate. Members must show collaboration and equity based approach catering to differential needs of developing and least developed along with focus on sustainable development. Everyone must uphold Rule based Trade system to avoid fragmentations, Economic confrontations. and lead to ultimate vision of WTO "barrier free Trade".
Suggestions to improve:
- Could link to specific outcomes needed (e.g., "Future MCs must deliver on **permanent solution for PSH** and **S&DT provisions** for developing countries")
- Could reference India's broader trade strategy (e.g., "aligning with India's **$2 trillion export target by 2030** requires reformed WTO framework")
Solid technical understanding with good use of current affairs and systematic presentation through mind map. The answer effectively covers all demands but could benefit from more quantitative data and specific examples to strengthen arguments. Well-structured approach with clear sectoral division.
Demand of the Question
- Role of WTO Ministerial Conference in global trade governance
- India's concerns on food security in WTO context
- India's concerns on fisheries subsidies in WTO context
- Linkage between WTO-MC decisions and these specific concerns
What you wrote:
WTO-Ministerial Conference (MC) is the highest decision-making body of WTO comprising 164 member nations and meets every 2 years. Recently 14th MC concluded in Cameroon with discussion on e-Commerce Moratorium, PSH (Public Stock Holdings), WTO Appellate body etc.
WTO-Ministerial Conference (MC) is the highest decision-making body of WTO comprising 164 member nations and meets every 2 years. Recently 14th MC concluded in Cameroon with discussion on e-Commerce Moratorium, PSH (Public Stock Holdings), WTO Appellate body etc.
Suggestions to improve:
- Could briefly define WTO-MC's significance in global trade architecture (e.g., "as the apex decision-making body that shapes multilateral trade rules affecting $24 trillion global merchandise trade").
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